Darcy's Temptation by Regina Jeffers Read Free Book Online Page A

finished with him; she began to kiss along his chin line.“Would you like to join me on the floor?”
    â€œI may need more encouragement,” he teased.
    Elizabeth stood briefly, turning to lean down and kiss his upturned face, kissing him deeply and passionately while enticing his lips apart. She withdrew reluctantly, but her mouth hovered above his.“I will ask you again, Sir, if the floor has not some appeal for you?”
    Darcy swallowed hard, trying to refocus.Then, instinctively, he stood long enough to lower them both to the floor. “I love you more than life, Lizzy.”

    At dinner that evening, Mr. Ashford returned to Pemberley. Kitty Bennet boldly placed him across from her at the place settings. Ashford felt more comfortable being in the company of those gathered at Pemberley than previously.The pleasure of again seeing Kitty Bennet haunted his thoughts most of the day, and being allowed to take her hand when going into dinner nearly undid his composure. Pockets of conversation broke out about the table. Georgiana and Jane discussed a book they both read. Elizabeth and her aunt and uncle entertained the Gardiner children. Bingley felt it his duty to chaperone the interchange between his wife’s sister Kitty and the young vicar Mr. Ashford. Darcy spoke extensively to his cousins Edward and Anne.
    â€œHave you finalized your travel plans, Edward?”
    â€œAnne and I will travel to my parents’ estate at the end of the week. My parents’ anniversary party will be the night of the next full moon. Anne and I will formally announce our engagement that evening as all our dear family will be in attendance. You and Elizabeth will attend, shall you not, Darcy?”
    â€œUnless something would happen with Elizabeth’s delivery, I see no reason we could not attend.” Darcy caught his wife’s eyes with a promise of continuing passion.
    â€œI do not wish to change your mind, Darcy. You are one of my best friends, as well as my cousin, but I must remind you Lady Catherine will, obviously, be in attendance.”
    â€œI appreciate your concern, Edward, but I welcome my aunt’s presence on your behalf.”
    Anne whispered,“I hope my mother is as gracious.”
    â€œDo not concern yourself, Anne.” Darcy lightly touched her hand. “Even Lady Catherine should see Edward’s love is the best choice you could make.”
    Anne dropped her eyes rather than respond, but all three knew Lady Catherine’s fury was not easily assuaged.
    â€œDarcy,” Bingley called out to get his friend’s attention.
    â€œYes, Bingley?”

    â€œHave you heard Mr. Ashford’s plans for a village school?” Bingley’s eyes lit up.“It is fascinating.”
    â€œReally, pray tell, Mr.Ashford.” Darcy leveled one of his looks on the man, and the vicar shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
    â€œOf course,” Ashford stumbled a bit at first, “that is, if you approve, Mr. Darcy.”
    Darcy nodded at Ashford’s acknowledgment of his position in the community.
    â€œMany of the larger villages establish a village school to educate the children of the area. If a community wishes to grow and to prosper, it needs citizens who are at least minimally educated. How can you, for example, get your tenants to understand the need for a balance between nature and agriculture if they know nothing about the need to conserve the land or to rotate the crops? I believe a school will benefit the community, and I seek your support in this endeavor, Mr. Darcy.” Ashford did not break his gaze as he engaged Darcy, a fact Darcy admired in the man.
    â€œYou certainly have enough books you could donate to the school.” Bingley liked the idea.
    â€œIf we choose to open such a school,” Darcy guarded his words carefully, “I am sure some books could be procured for it. Mr. Ashford, why do we not plan on meeting later in the week to